It has long been understood that playing and competing in sports teaches young children valuable life lessons. From the moment a child steps onto a field, court, rink, or course, they are required to follow certain rules and ettiquette. They learn appropriate behavior from coaches and teammates that will serve them well in competition and in life.

At SPUT, we pride ouselves on the important life lessons that we teach in each daily lesson. We've created a SPUT Store that is used as a reward system for kids that display the positive behavior we seek on and off the court. We specifically teach service, perseverance, integrity, responsibility, imagination, and teamwork. These life skills and core values are what we've nicknamed the SPUT SPIRIT.

Each SPUT tennis lesson concludes with time for life lessons and reflection. We introduce a new life skill with a story on Mondays and reinforce it through application and self-assessment throughout the week. SPUT Bucks are occasionally awarded to reinforce the lessons.

Parents can help by following along with our weekly themes outside of class. Download a Player Goal and Assessment Sheet that was also passed out in class to make following along a breeze. We hope that these lessons help to create a positive atmosphere in the home as well as on the tennis court. And, please do tell us of any application at home as we love your stories:

At supper, Maya (6 years old), was reporting on her afternoon at tennis. "I couldn't open the juice but I kept on trying and trying until I got it because I learned that in Urban Tennis - PER-SE-VER-ANCE" Maya got that big word out loudly and clearly. Her oldest brother just about choked with laughter but mom and dad were very proud.

--a Langford Park parent

The SPUT Store

The SPUT store is a place where kids can spend the SPUT Bucks they earn throughout the summer. The store consists of a variety of novelty and tennis items, including balls, stickers, books, school supplies, and other items. Kids can also purchase raffle tickets with SPUT Bucks at our season-ending picnic for a chance to win larger prizes such as a tennis gear package, back to school package, and reading package! Parents, please keep in mind that the SPUT Store is made possible through donations from local families and businesses and we do not re-stock inventory. To make an in-kind donation to our store, please contact us.

How to earn SPUT Bucks

Coaches distribute SPUT Bucks as a positive behavior reinforcement tool throughout the summer. A few SPUT Bucks are awarded each week to students who display what we call the SPUT SPIRIT. These are the life skills taught throughout our program that include (S) service, (P) perseverance, (I) integrity, (R) responsibility, (I) imagination, and (T) teamwork.